Playing Pitch Strategies

Sport England believes that to ensure there is a good supply of high quality playing pitches and playing fields to meet the sporting needs of local communities all local authorities should have an up to date playing pitch strategy.

The development and implementation of an up to date and robust playing pitch strategy will help to ensure that informed planning, investment, management and sports development decisions are made.  A strategy will also provide valuable evidence to help guide the development and implementation of relevant policies, programmes and actions. 

A playing pitch strategy can take the form of a stand alone document or be part of a wider open space or outdoor sports strategy.  In line with PPG17 Sport England believes that an audit and assessment of need should be undertaken which forms the starting point for establishing an effective strategy.  A strategy should then set out clear actions as to how the supply of playing pitches and playing field land can be improved to meet local needs.

Sport England has produced guidance on how to carry out a strategy which is accompanied by an electronic toolkit.  A ‘Fit for Purpose’ framework document has also been produced which can be used to help review the adequacy of a strategy and further guide its development.

Towards a Level Playing Field: A Guide to the Production of Playing Pitch Strategies

Electronic Toolkit

Fit for Purpose Framework

Sport England attempts to keep track of which local authorities have up to date playing pitch strategies in place.  This knowledge is set out in its Playing Pitch Strategy Coverage document.  

Playing Pitch Strategy Coverage (November 2011)   

The coverage document shares Sport England's knowledge at the date it was produced but should not be regarded as a fully accurate list. 

Please contact us to find out more about Playing Pitch Strategies, Sport England’s guidance and to help update and improve our knowledge of which local authorities have strategies in place.